St Helens Council News

Liverpool Echo - St Helens

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At the forefront of any city's rejuvenation is helping the community with issues such as transport facilities.

Spencer has recently carried out a transformation of St. Helens train station which has now become a 21st century transport hub, fitting in with the cultural image of the surrounding area.

The entrance of the station makes it an iconic feature of the towns up and coming redevelopment programme with its twin copper clad fins.

Spencer has constructed a new two-storey main building, made out of glass and steel, which has been built on the Wigan-bound platform. It comprises a new ticket office, comfortable waiting areas on both platforms, new lifts, stairs and new customer information systems. The platform and waiting room facilities were upgraded and a new bridge was built for increased access to the Liverpool-bound platform.

The station was criticised in 2004 in a passenger survey for being an unwelcoming gateway to the town, which in turn discouraged the community to use the trains. Now that the new station has been built it is obvious to see the positive effects. Railways Minister, Tony McNulty, has said that,

- This redevelopment will give St. Helens a train station that encourages people to use public transport instead of jumping in their cars. It will also create an impressive new gateway to the town, which will leave visitors and commuters alike in no doubt that St. Helens is moving towards a brighter future -

The station has connected areas of the community together, linking regions of high unemployment with employment sectors. Council leader, Marie Rimmer, stated that St. Helens station - will further enhance St. Helens reputation as being a premier work, live and play destination due to its good transport connections -